The question is being asked… when can we expect the lake ice to break up this year. We received lots of snow and its been a cold winter. Spring has finally arrived with snow starting to melting just days ago now. But it will be some time yet before we see bare ice on the lake. We are still snowmobiling and ice fishing at this time.

We predict a late thaw again this May but paddlers should be able to dip their paddles sometime in the week of May 18th. 😮 …. maybe.

April 21st Break Up Update – We had some cool temps and additional snow falls this pass week but all gone now and back to the melt. Snow is evaporating and melting quickly. We are down to the slush ice on the very small lakes and still lots of snow yet to disappear on most lakes before we see lake ice. Folks are still snowmobiling on surrounding Red Lake.

April 29 UPDATE – Snow has melted off the large ice on Red lake and we are down to the slush ice layer – appears to have lifted. Ice thickness is 22″ – still quite solid – but with warmer temps and a hot sun, it should deteriorate quickly… unfortunately the weather forecast doesn’t show sun any day soon.

The strong winds today might have crack things up a bit on the edges of smaller lakes but still a ways to go yet before the larger ice will breaks. Creek and river mouths are open.

Still lots of snow in the bush although around town, we are down to the grass except for snow banks and shady areas.

May 5 UPDATE – Despite the cool temperatures and occasional snow flurries these past few days, the snow in the woods has melted or evaporated quickly leaving only patches in low and shady areas.
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Lake ice still thick but appears to be detaching from the shore in places. Has not yet lifted on the larger lakes. Warmer temps are expected in the next few days which should speed things along. Still predicting break up May 17 or 18.
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May 11 UPDATE – We just had a couple of beautiful sunny days and small ponds & lakes ice have broken up. Larger lake ice still hanging in but blackening every day. We expect most lakes will be free of ice by this coming weekend.

May 13 UPDATE – A minor set back this morning. Woke up to 3 to 4 inches of wet snow… large flakes falling. Very pretty but … not what we asked for at this time. Might help add weight to the lake ice. It is already melting by mid afternoon and we have a little wind. Forecast shows sun tomorrow and for the rest of the week. Will post again in 2 days.

[B]May 15 UPDATE [/B]- It has been a 2-day set back now. Snow flurries persisted into a 2nd day and now frost on the ground on this 3rd day. The strong winds did not materialized as forecasted and the higher temps (high 60Fs) promised for the end of the week are now cooled down to 50Fs. While streams and smaller lakes may be open, the larger lakes such as Haggart, Red Lake, even Lund are not. I’m afraid at this time that our prediction of ice-out by weekend was wrong. Ice out by early next week is more likely providing sun and winds grace us for the weekend. Mother Nature tossed us a curve ball once again.:rolleyes:

May 17 UPDATE – I guess when you’re anxious to see something happen it’s just a roller coaster ride of highs and lows. Back on a high today. We were talking to some local pilots today and heard some encouraging news. Floatplanes are landing in WCPP. Not everywhere mind you but Donald, Olive, Domain, Optic. Lots of smaller lakes ice free but enough larger lakes in between still with ice to block passage. Some folks starting today at the headwaters of the Bloodvein River thinking that by the time they get to Knox Lake it will be gone. Red Lake itself is still tight but today’s winds are the strongest in quite a while. 😮

Break UP May – Lakes are nearly all ice free. Only some lingering black ice in the larger Red Lake but we can say with confidence that canoeing in WCPP is no longer impeded by lake ice. Happy Paddling Season everyone.;)